South African Hockey’s quest on the Road to Paris is still underway as they ended their first of two test matches against Korea in a 3-3 draw in Jincheon-gun, Korea, on Friday, 19 May 2023.
The hosts opened scoring through a Eeseul Baek penalty-corner late in the first quarter, but South Africa drew level when Celia Seerane scored a field goal three minutes after the second quarter resumption.
Stephanie Botha’s goal from open play late in the third quarter set South Africa up to dictate the power play from the start of the final quarter, but Korea instead capitalised on their opponent’s mistakes with two goals in three minutes, through Jungeun Seo (PC) and Baek (PS) for her second, before Jean-Leigh du Toit’s penalty corner sealed the opening match draw between the two sides.
It was just 10 days ago that SA Hockey announced the squad that will participate in the Korea Tour, and with the expectation of the squad’s journey being exciting and demanding, this opening match result will embolden expectations.
This is a positive result with Korea being ranked 10 places ahead of South Africa, currently 22nd in the world, and leaves room for the team’s preparation for the Olympic Road to Paris Qualification event.
Korea Goal-Scorers:
Eeseul Baek 14′ (PC), 48′ (PS)
Jungeun Seo 45′ (PC)
South Africa Goal-Scorers:
Celia Seerane 18′ (FG)
Stephanie Botha 40′ (PC)
Jean-Leigh du Toit 52′ (PC)
Fixtures and Results of the SA Women’s Hockey Olympic Road to Paris Qualification event in Jincheon-gun, Korea:
19 May: Korea 3-3 South Africa
21 May: Korea vs South Africa (03:30 SA Time)
Photo 1 caption: The South African women’s hockey team pictured in Korea for their first of two matches in the team’s preparation for the Olympic Road to Paris Qualification event. Photo: Hockey SA
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